AS we return from summer recess, I am looking forward to the new Parliament meeting and starting to consider changes to actually make our country better after 14 years of Conservative failure.

I want to see early legislation to improve rights at work, to tackle the climate crisis and invest in our green jobs of tomorrow, and to bring our railways back into public ownership and improve their services.

There is so much to do, and problems in so many areas that demand attention from our new Labour Government to rescue our failing public services, not least the NHS, but also our courts and prisons, the education for our children, support for local government, and the protection of our environment.

We all know that money is short, but we need to see improvements.

Since my last column, we have seen the disgraceful rioting in parts of the country whipped up by right-wing armchair generals who want to divide our communities and persecute some of our most vulnerable neighbours.

We all deserve to be safe and protected, and I commend the police and prosecution service for the steps they took to stop the violence and hold these thugs to account.

My heart goes out both to the families and friends of the children stabbed in Southport and the people threatened by mobs.

We know all too well the consequences of violence in Warrington and recognise the importance of community cohesion. I look forward to Warrington Mela on September 15 showing the best of our town and how we come together.

I have heard from a number of constituents concerned about the Chancellor’s announcement that she has to restrict the Winter Fuel Allowance to only those pensioners on Pension Credit because of the hidden financial mess that the Tories left us.

I can appreciate these worries, and it is not a step that we wanted to take, especially given the wider cost of living crisis.

I have asked the Treasury for an analysis of the impact of this change, and for what more help can be given to people just over the limit for whom this will have an impact, including through local council funds.

Just because my party is now in government it will not stop me holding it to account and asking how its decisions can be made fairer for my constituents.

My priority is always you.

CHARLOTTE NICHOLS

Warrington North MP